and his views with regard to israel, for example, and iran and all of the other positions that he's taken over the years will be, you know, i think very much a matter of discussion during the confirmation process. >> so you're not predicting smooth sailing for chuck hagel? >> i think it will be a lot of tough questions of senator hagel, but he'll be treated fairly by republicans in the senate. >> as you know, i spend the holidays in kentucky, your home state, and i know full well there's a much different view of gun regulation in your state than in other parts of the country. never ttheles nevertheless, the president appears to be ready to push forward to a more comprehensive package dealing with mental health. have your views changed? are you willing to entertain the idea of new gun regulation? >> i think we need to see what the vice president's group comes up with, what their recommendations are. there will be plenty of time to take a look at the recommendations once they come forward. what's going to dominate washington for the next three months here is going to be spending and debt. >